Words and Music by Dennis Livingston

Chop the tree in the dappled forest.
Stand way back as it hits the ground.
Catch your breath in the sudden silence.
Then to work as we gather round.

At the first command,
take the axe into your hand,
cut off the limbs and bark.

Tie the trunk now bare
to the cart that's over there,
but do not leave a mark.

Bring the cart piled high
to the mill near by,
well of course,
there's more to learn.

Put the log down tight
in a lathe just right
so it can slowly turn.

As you plane it smooth
and you sand each groove,
your work a mast unveils.

It is tall and straight,
for the task is great,
to hold the leaping sails.
Let your vision grasp that you bring to life a ship.

Chop the tree in the dappled forest.
Stand way back as it hits the ground.
Catch your breath in the sudden silence.
Then to work as we gather round.

At the first command,
take the axe into your hand,
cut off the limbs and bark.

Tie the trunk now bare
to the cart that's over there,
but do not leave a mark.

Bring the cart piled high
to the mill near by,
well of course there's more to learn.

Put the log down tight
in a lathe just right
so it can slowly turn.

As you plane it smooth
and you sand each groove,
your work a mast unveils.

It is tall and straight,
for the task is great,
to hold the leaping sails.
To hold, to hold, to hold
the leaping sails!

 

 

 

© 1995 Hallmark Music Co.

 

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